The document outlines four approaches to having dialogue about Israel: 1. Peace for Peace, Not for Land - Advocates ensuring Israel maintains control of all land and opposing pressure for concessions. 2. Follow Israel's Lead - Supports decisions of Israel's government and backing a two-state solution while trusting Israel to decide terms. 3. Pro-Israel, Pro-Peace - Works to achieve a swift two-state solution by urging the US to broker a deal and pressure Israel, while not endorsing boycotts. 4. Equality and Justice in Israel/Palestine - Advocates joining campaigns to pressure Israel to recognize Palestinian rights, end aid, and potentially support boy

1. CAN WE TALK
ABOUT ISRAEL? Karen Hochberg
Temple Emanuel
April 12, 2015

2. OBJECTIVES
! What does it take to have courageous,
respectful dialogue about Israel
! Define dialogue
! Establish guidelines for positive dialogue
! Outline four approaches for framing
discussions about Israel
! Discuss importance and relevance of
dialogue

3. PAJC MISSION

4. Dialogue happens when we
create a safe space and time
for people to genuinely seek
mutual understanding and
give up the desire to be
right or persuade.
DEFINING DIALOGUE

5. DIALOGUE AGREEMENTS
! Participants listen and are listened to with care
! Participants speak and are spoken to in a
respectful manner
! Participants share “airtime” so all speakers can
be heard
! Participants learn about the perspectives of
others
! Participants reflect on their own views

6. ! Take time to complete questions
! Social barometer exercise
! Introductions via a go round
LET’S CHECK IN

7. CONVERSATION
FRAMEWORK
WWW.JEWISHDIALOGUE.ORG

8. ! Overview of the Approach (4)
! Trade-offs and risks with each approach
! Choices within the choice
! Organizations advocating the approach
Conversation Framework

9. Approach Worksheet
Trade Offs &
Acceptable Risks
Choices within the
Choice

10. Approach 1: Peace for Peace, Not for Land
Peace for Peace, Not Land for Peace: Support Jewish Rights in the Whole Land of
Israel
Jews in the US should seek to ensure that Israel maintains control of all the land within its current
borders, including Judea and Samaria (areas also called the “West Bank”) and Jerusalem. These
territories are the historic heartland of the Jewish people and are crucial for Israel's security. In addition,
many of us have strong religious connections and commitments to this land. Over the past twenty
years, Israel's government has failed to defend its people's safety and rights adequately. Concessions
to Israel’s enemies, beginning with the 1993 Oslo Accord, have caused the death of thousands of Jews
and endangered millions. After decades of Israeli concessions, no Arab organization accepts the right of
the Jewish people to an independent state. Now Israel is facing pressure to cede more land and to
expel tens of thousands of Jewish residents from their homes.
We should provide Israel with political, economic, and moral support. It is crucial to oppose groups
who pressure Israel to adopt self-destructive policies and who seek to weaken Israel through boycotts,
divestment, and sanctions. In addition, it is important to visit and donate to Jewish communities in
Judea and Samaria especially those that are most threatened with expulsion. Supporting Israel also
means calling for practical alternatives to the failed “peace process” and criticizing Israeli and U.S.
leaders who advocate for surrender.

11. Approach 1: Peace for Peace, Not for Land
Summary Overview
• US Jews must oppose Israeli governments
concessions to enemies and other self-
destructive actions
• We regret the suffering of Palestinian Arabs but
believe it is inevitable for now
• There is a trade off between the values of equality
and diversity and Jewish sovereignty and integrity
of the land
• We are willing to live with hostility and criticism
Trade Offs &
Acceptable Risks
• Should we advocate for a specific annexation
plan
• How should we relate to Israel’s Arab citizens
• Should we support proposals to remove Arab
residents
• What policies should we advocate to address
threats posed by terrorists in Gaza
Choices within the
Choice

12. Approach 1: Peace for Peace…Advocacy Organizations

13. Approach 2: Follow Israel’s Lead
Follow Israel’s Lead: Support Israel's Pragmatic Choices about Negotiation and
Defense
Jews in the US should back the decisions of Israel’s people and democratically elected government,
who respond pragmatically to the challenges they face. The majority of Israelis favor a territorial
compromise with Arabs who claim the same land, and the government has made reasonable peace
offers throughout its history, only to be rebuffed every time. While there are different views about the
legitimacy of Arab land claims, we believe that it is in Israel's interest to pursue a two-state peace
agreement. We trust the Israeli people to decide what terms they can accept in such an agreement.
Palestinian leaders and groups like Fatah and Hamas continue to demonize Israel and promote never
ending struggle. Peace will be possible if and when Arab leaders accept Israel as a Jewish state and
seek a genuine compromise. In the meantime, Israel faces serious threats to its security and must not
be pressured to make concessions.
Israel needs our moral, economic, and political support. We should work to bolster Israel’s economy
and standing in the world, while advocating for the U.S. government to maintain its strong alliance
with Israel. These efforts will help Israel to defend itself and to negotiate from a position of strength.
Many of us also support efforts to promote dialogue and build relationships among individual Israelis
and Palestinians at the grassroots level. Such initiatives may contribute to peace in the long term.

14. Approach 2: Follow Israel’s Lead
Summary Overview
• For many Israelis and some in US, territory in
Judea, Samaria(West Bank) that Israel may cede
to Palestine has significant religious, historical,
and personal importance
• There is a moral cost involved in any war or
policing action. We are pained by Palestinian
suffering but must ensure Jewish safety
• US citizens have limits in the roles of imposing
policy on Israeli government
• Must maintain strong relationship between Israel
and US as key allies
Trade Offs &
Acceptable Risks
• When, if ever is it appropriate for US to advocate
for policies impacting Palestinians that differ from
Israel’s government
• How important is it to build relationships between
Jews and Palestinians, Arabs, Muslims? How can
this be done?
• Should US Jews address Arab Israel citizens
needs?
• How should we use our votes as US citizens
when selecting candidates?
Choices within the
Choice

15. Approach 2: Follow Israel’s Lead…Organizations

16. Approach 2: Follow Israel’s Lead…Organizations

17. Approach 3: Pro-Israel, Pro-Peace
Pro-Israel, Pro-Palestine, Pro-Peace: Challenge & Support Both Parties to Achieve
a Two-State Solution
Jews in the US should work to help bring about a swift and comprehensive two-state solution to the
conflict. A two-state solution is the only way to meet Israelis' and Palestinians' basic needs and balance
their competing claims. Without a peace agreement, Israel will not achieve long-term security, and
Palestinians will not gain safety, freedom, and justice. Majorities on both sides are willing to accept a
two-state solution. Many analysts believe that the terms of a viable agreement are already clear, though
some believe new options should be explored. However, several obstacles—psychological, political,
economic, and religious—have kept the parties from reaching an agreement. Both sides bear partial
responsibility for the impasse, but it is important to recognize that Israel has greater military and
economic power, and that its government has failed to offer terms that most Palestinians could accept.
The US has provided diplomatic, economic, and military support to Israel while falling short of holding
the Israeli government accountable for harmful actions—especially its West Bank settlement policies.
We must urge the U.S. government to work vigorously to broker a peace agreement. This will require
exerting greater pressure on Israel. In addition, we should support Israeli and Palestinian organizations
that promote peace and challenge human rights abuses. We should not endorse boycotts, divestment,
and sanctions directed against Israel, but some of us boycott products made in West Bank settlements.

18. Approach 3: Pro-Israel, Pro-Peace Organizations
Summary Overview
• Approach that balances politically achievable
goals against vision of perfect justice
• Call for a pragmatic approach to land sharing with
Palestinians, feel a deep sense of loss in giving
up certain parts of land
• Path we propose could involve short-term
escalation of violence with extremists trying to
derail peace
• If Palestinians are not satisfied with a state in the
West Bank and Gaza Israel could continue to
face violence
Trade Offs &
Acceptable Risks
• How much more negotiation to create mutually
acceptable plan, what role should US play in
setting terms
• What US policies should we advocate to support
and how to apply pressure on leaders to take
steps? How involved should the US be via using
power at UN?
• How should we relate to BDS campaigns?
• How much energy to place on activities?
Choices within the
Choice

19. Approach 3: Pro-Israel, Pro-Peace Organizations

20. Approach 3: Pro-Israel, Pro-Peace Organizations

21. Approach 4: Equality & Justice in Israel/Palestine
Equality and Justice in Israel/Palestine: Advocate for Human Rights & Work for
Creative
Solutions
Jews in the US should work in solidarity with Palestinians and Israeli Jews to protect human rights and
build a just peace. Israel’s government has enormous power over Palestinians and violates their basic
rights. U.S. military and economic aid to the Israeli government exacerbates the power imbalance.
Under current conditions, US-sponsored negotiations cannot end these abuses or lead to a durable
resolution to the conflict. Rather than seeking to broker a just solution, the US pushes Palestinians to
accept a fragmented state that lacks real sovereignty and insists that Palestinian refugees give up their
right to return home. These U.S. policies also sentence Israel to perpetual insecurity and isolation. We
do not endorse a specific blueprint, but instead call for a solution that reflects principles of justice and
meets the needs of all the people of Israel/Palestine. Such a solution must end Israel’s military control
of the West Bank and siege of Gaza; enable Palestinian refugees and their descendants to return if they
wish to; and ensure equal rights for Palestinian citizens of Israel.
We should join non-violent campaigns to pressure Israel to recognize Palestinian rights. As U.S.
citizens, we should call for our government to stop unconditional aid to Israel. Many of us also support
the call by Palestinian civil society for boycotts, divestment, and sanctions until Israel agrees to the
conditions listed above. Over time, these efforts will help to create the conditions for successful
negotiations. We should also assist activists in the region who are organizing to stop specific injustices
and developing plans for long-term solutions.

22. Approach 4: Equality & Justice in Israel/Palestine
Summary Overview
• Pressuring Israel’s government will lead to harsher
policies in the near term
• Lack of a clear, widely-held vision for a just and peaceful
solution amplify the risks of pressuring Israel
• People in Israel/Palestine will experience economic loss
and suffering as a result of BDS
• BDS will increase anti-Jewish feelings and rhetoric
• If we advocate for a solution that is unachievable we may
increase Palestinian suffering
• 2-State approach means giving up guaranteed “haven”
for Diaspora Jews-though not all believe this
Trade Offs &
Acceptable Risks
• What role should we play in determining the form
of a future peace agreement or stating a specific
vision
• How much energy should we invest in each of the
strategies
• Which BDS campaigns should we join?
• How should we respond to unethical Palestinian
behavior
• How should we respond to Zionism
Choices within the
Choice

23. Approach 4: Equality & Justice…Organizations

24. Approach 4: Equality & Justice…Organizations

25. Thank you for engaging!
• Please complete your evaluation form
• Please visit the PAJC website at:
www.pajc.net
• Please visit Jewish Dialogue Group at:
www.jewishdialogue.org
• Please continue the conversation!

26. KAREN HOCHBERG, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
EMAIL: HOCHBERG@PAJC.NET
PHONE: 412-605-0816
NOTES:
Sunday, April 12, 2015
Temple Emanuel
CAN WE TALK…ABOUT ISRAEL
Agenda:
! Welcome & Introductions
! Overview & Learning Objectives
! Social Barometer Exercise
! 4 Approaches to Dialogue
! Questions & Wrap Up
Indicate your support to the following: (1 Lowest to 5 Highest)
I support Israel 1 2 3 4 5
I feel a connection with the land of Israel 1 2 3 4 5
I feel a connection to the people of Israel 1 2 3 4 5
I know enough about the Israel-
Palestinian conflict to form my opinions
1 2 3 4 5
SOURCES:
JEWISH DIALOGUE GROUP WWW.JEWISHDIALOGUE.ORG
JEWISH COUNCIL ON PUBLIC RELATIONS WWW.JEWISHPUBLICAFFAIRS.ORG
JEWISH FEDERATION OF PGH (CRC) WWW.JFEDPGH/CRC
PITTSBURGH AREA JEWISH COMMITTEE WWW.PAJC.NET

27. Approach Worksheet
Trade Offs &
Acceptable Risks
Choices within the
Choice

28. Approach 1: Peace for Peace, Not for Land
Peace for Peace, Not Land for Peace: Support Jewish Rights in the Whole Land of
Israel
Jews in the US should seek to ensure that Israel maintains control of all the land within its current
borders, including Judea and Samaria (areas also called the “West Bank”) and Jerusalem. These
territories are the historic heartland of the Jewish people and are crucial for Israel's security. In addition,
many of us have strong religious connections and commitments to this land. Over the past twenty
years, Israel's government has failed to defend its people's safety and rights adequately. Concessions
to Israel’s enemies, beginning with the 1993 Oslo Accord, have caused the death of thousands of Jews
and endangered millions. After decades of Israeli concessions, no Arab organization accepts the right of
the Jewish people to an independent state. Now Israel is facing pressure to cede more land and to
expel tens of thousands of Jewish residents from their homes.
We should provide Israel with political, economic, and moral support. It is crucial to oppose groups
who pressure Israel to adopt self-destructive policies and who seek to weaken Israel through boycotts,
divestment, and sanctions. In addition, it is important to visit and donate to Jewish communities in
Judea and Samaria especially those that are most threatened with expulsion. Supporting Israel also
means calling for practical alternatives to the failed “peace process” and criticizing Israeli and U.S.
leaders who advocate for surrender.

29. Approach 2: Follow Israel’s Lead
Follow Israel’s Lead: Support Israel's Pragmatic Choices about Negotiation and
Defense
Jews in the US should back the decisions of Israel’s people and democratically elected government,
who respond pragmatically to the challenges they face. The majority of Israelis favor a territorial
compromise with Arabs who claim the same land, and the government has made reasonable peace
offers throughout its history, only to be rebuffed every time. While there are different views about the
legitimacy of Arab land claims, we believe that it is in Israel's interest to pursue a two-state peace
agreement. We trust the Israeli people to decide what terms they can accept in such an agreement.
Palestinian leaders and groups like Fatah and Hamas continue to demonize Israel and promote never
ending struggle. Peace will be possible if and when Arab leaders accept Israel as a Jewish state and
seek a genuine compromise. In the meantime, Israel faces serious threats to its security and must not
be pressured to make concessions.
Israel needs our moral, economic, and political support. We should work to bolster Israel’s economy
and standing in the world, while advocating for the U.S. government to maintain its strong alliance
with Israel. These efforts will help Israel to defend itself and to negotiate from a position of strength.
Many of us also support efforts to promote dialogue and build relationships among individual Israelis
and Palestinians at the grassroots level. Such initiatives may contribute to peace in the long term.

30. Approach 4: Equality & Justice in Israel/Palestine
Equality and Justice in Israel/Palestine: Advocate for Human Rights & Work for
Creative
Solutions
Jews in the US should work in solidarity with Palestinians and Israeli Jews to protect human rights and
build a just peace. Israel’s government has enormous power over Palestinians and violates their basic
rights. U.S. military and economic aid to the Israeli government exacerbates the power imbalance.
Under current conditions, US-sponsored negotiations cannot end these abuses or lead to a durable
resolution to the conflict. Rather than seeking to broker a just solution, the US pushes Palestinians to
accept a fragmented state that lacks real sovereignty and insists that Palestinian refugees give up their
right to return home. These U.S. policies also sentence Israel to perpetual insecurity and isolation. We
do not endorse a specific blueprint, but instead call for a solution that reflects principles of justice and
meets the needs of all the people of Israel/Palestine. Such a solution must end Israel’s military control
of the West Bank and siege of Gaza; enable Palestinian refugees and their descendants to return if they
wish to; and ensure equal rights for Palestinian citizens of Israel.
We should join non-violent campaigns to pressure Israel to recognize Palestinian rights. As U.S.
citizens, we should call for our government to stop unconditional aid to Israel. Many of us also support
the call by Palestinian civil society for boycotts, divestment, and sanctions until Israel agrees to the
conditions listed above. Over time, these efforts will help to create the conditions for successful
negotiations. We should also assist activists in the region who are organizing to stop specific injustices
and developing plans for long-term solutions.

31. Approach 3: Pro-Israel, Pro-Peace
Pro-Israel, Pro-Palestine, Pro-Peace: Challenge & Support Both Parties to Achieve
a Two-State Solution
Jews in the US should work to help bring about a swift and comprehensive two-state solution to the
conflict. A two-state solution is the only way to meet Israelis' and Palestinians' basic needs and balance
their competing claims. Without a peace agreement, Israel will not achieve long-term security, and
Palestinians will not gain safety, freedom, and justice. Majorities on both sides are willing to accept a
two-state solution. Many analysts believe that the terms of a viable agreement are already clear, though
some believe new options should be explored. However, several obstacles—psychological, political,
economic, and religious—have kept the parties from reaching an agreement. Both sides bear partial
responsibility for the impasse, but it is important to recognize that Israel has greater military and
economic power, and that its government has failed to offer terms that most Palestinians could accept.
The US has provided diplomatic, economic, and military support to Israel while falling short of holding
the Israeli government accountable for harmful actions—especially its West Bank settlement policies.
We must urge the U.S. government to work vigorously to broker a peace agreement. This will require
exerting greater pressure on Israel. In addition, we should support Israeli and Palestinian organizations
that promote peace and challenge human rights abuses. We should not endorse boycotts, divestment,
and sanctions directed against Israel, but some of us boycott products made in West Bank settlements.